FIXED-WING SEARCH AND RESCUE AIRCRAFT REPLACEMENT PROJECT COMOX VALLEY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SOCIETY SEARCH AND RESCUE TRAINING CENTRE AT 19 WING COMOX

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2 FIXED-WING SEARCH AND RESCUE AIRCRAFT REPLACEMENT PROJECT COMOX VALLEY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SOCIETY SEARCH AND RESCUE TRAINING CENTRE AT 19 WING COMOX Aim 1. The Comox Valley Economic Development Society seeks to ensure that 19 Wing Comox receives fair consideration to be the selected location for the Search and Rescue Training Centre in the awarding of the Fixed-Wing Search and Rescue Aircraft Replacement Project contract. 2. Aside from the economic benefits that would accrue to the community, the Fixed- Wing Search and Rescue (FW SAR) Aircraft Replacement Project presents an opportunity to support National interests at the same time meeting Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) requirements by basing FW SAR training at 19 Wing Comox: Background a. National Interests. 19 Wing Comox, the only RCAF aerodrome west of the Rockies is a strategic asset that can support air operations in response to natural disasters and threats to Canadian sovereignty, and it can also be a launching base for international operations in the Pacific and Asia. Exploiting 19 Wing s capacity to host FW SAR training keeps this aerodrome vital and efficient, thus ensuring the long term viability of this strategic asset. b. RCAF Objectives. 19 Wing Comox has nearby overland and overwater training areas that can provide FWSAR trainees with the challenging training conditions twelve months a year. Further, given the existing Rotary Wing (Cormorant helicopter) Operational Training Unit, and the Canadian Forces School of Search and Rescue (CFSSAR), the collocation of FWSAR training with these other two units provides enormous synergies and improved training for all the aircrew and rescue specialists in effect, 19 Wing would become Canada s SAR Centre of Excellence. 3. A strategic asset for Canada, 19 Wing Comox conducts deployed Air Defence, Sovereignty Patrol, and Search and Rescue operations. 407 (Long Range Patrol) Squadron Comox flies surveillance missions over land and sea. 442 (Transport and Rescue) Squadron Comox operates in Victoria Search and Rescue Region, the busiest region in Canada. 19 Wing Comox is the only military aerodrome west of the Rockies and separated from Victoria International Airport by the Malahat Mountain pass, it is the only northern Vancouver Island airport able to accept large aircraft. Accordingly, it is a key forward deployment base in the event of a major earthquake. Version August 7, 2015

3 4. 19 Wing provides Air Traffic Control services for a large area beyond Comox, which includes the civilian airports of Port Alberni, Campbell River, and Powell River. Each year, approximately a thousand Sea, Army, and Air Cadets and staff conduct summer camp training at 19 Wing. Annually, about 50 Air Cadets undergo concentrated glider flight training at the Comox airport. Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Provincial Aerospace Ltd have air detachments at 19 Wing Comox. Provincial Aerospace Ltd conducts Department of Fisheries and Oceans and Sovereignty Patrol flights. It is important that 19 Wing Comox remain an operationally effective and financially efficient organization. 5. With approximately 1,400 military and civilian employees, 19 Wing Comox is a major economic contributor to the Comox Valley. The Comox Valley Airport Commission operates a civilian air terminal on 19 Wing. The introduction of this highly successful transportation facility has seen a parallel growth in business and tourism in the Comox Valley. Comox Valley Airport Commission also provides office spaces for military personnel and ground handling services for large military aircraft. This relationship benefits not only the Comox Valley community, but the RCAF as well. 6. Over the past 40 years, 19 Wing has established Search and Rescue training at Comox for Fixed-Wing and Rotary-Wing aircrew and technicians. Selection of 19 Wing for this training in part resulted from the inadequate rescue response to the sinking of the freighter Lee Wang Zin and loss of 30 sailors on 25 December, 1979 in British Columbia s coastal waters. The increased numbers of aircraft and aircrew at a training location permits a surged response during major disasters. Currently, the Search and Rescue airbases closest to Comox are 17 Wing Winnipeg and 8 Wing Trenton. It is imperative that 19 Wing Comox maintains a sufficiently large and effective rescue force in the region. 7. Reductions in military personnel, delayed infrastructure improvements, and lowered operational activity levels have also happened at 19 Wing Comox. 409 (Fighter) Squadron moved to Cold Lake and deploys to Comox infrequently for operations and training. 414 (Electronic Warfare) Squadron also moved away when the capability was contracted to a civilian organization based in Montreal. 407 (Long Range Patrol) Squadron Comox is currently modernizing its CP140 Aurora fleet which may result in fewer Aurora aircraft and aircrew at 19 Wing. Reduction in operations and personnel risks the efficiency of a large air base. Selection of 19 Wing Comox as the Fixed-Wing Search and Rescue Training Centre would improve the operational effectiveness and financial efficiency of the Wing. Discussion 8. Contract Bidders. As shown in Annex A, it is understood that there are three major contenders for the Fixed-Wing Search and Rescue Aircraft Replacement Project: Alenia s C27J Spartan; Lockheed Martin s CC130J Hercules; and Airbus Group s C295. Aircraft operational effectiveness in Victoria Search and Rescue Region s mountainous terrain should be a significant factor in the bid evaluations. Bidders are also expected to recommend locations for operations, training, and maintenance. 2/3

4 9. Aircraft Selection versus Training Location. This paper is not intended to recommend one aircraft type over any other. However, the authors are appreciate that depending on which aircraft is selected, the preferred conversion training location (ie initial training on aircraft type) may well be elsewhere. That said, regardless of the conversion training location, 19 Wing remains the ideal location for operational training and thus the location of the Operational Training Unit (OTU). 10. Simulation. Aircraft simulator training is key to reducing aircraft operating costs. History has shown that using out-of-country simulators is neither effective nor efficient either financially or operationally. CC130 Hercules simulators will be available at 8 Wing Trenton. The RCAF is considering installing additional aircraft simulators at other Wings such as a CH149 Cormorant simulator at Comox under a separate contract. Installation of both Rotary-Wing and Fixed-Wing simulators at 19 Wing would provide synergy in a Search and Rescue Training Centre at Comox. 11. Training Centre. 19 Wing s 442 (Transport and Rescue) Squadron Comox currently conducts all RCAF aircraft conversion and Search and Rescue training on CC115 Buffalo (Fixed-Wing) and CH149 Cormorant (Rotary-Wing) aircraft. Comox s Canadian Forces School of Search and Rescue conducts all RCAF initial and continuation training for Search and Rescue Technicians, and Sea Survival training for aircrew. The Marine Section of 19 Wing Comox, the only Wing with its own large boats, directly supports year-around 442 Squadron and Canadian Forces School of Search and Rescue marine training. 19 Wing Comox has readily available year-round open water, pyrotechnic, and parachute ranges. The surrounding topography and coastal waters of Vancouver Island and the Coast Mountain Range presents trainees with the most demanding conditions that they will be expected to operate in when rescuing Canadians. 12. Training Centre Comparison. As outlined in Annex B, the biggest competition to a Comox based Fixed-Wing Search and Rescue Training Centre is 8 Wing Trenton. It already has the schoolhouse for CC130 Hercules training. Both 8 Wing Trenton and 17 Wing Winnipeg do not have sufficient training airspace or the climate to assure yearround open water training. 14 Wing Greenwood has both Fixed-Wing and Rotary-Wing Search and Rescue operational aircraft but for initial conversion and mission training, lacks readily available marine support, does not have representative mountainous terrain, and cannot provide the synergy of combined training support to other Search and Rescue schools. Acknowledging the higher cost of building construction in the west coast, 19 Wing Comox s advantages still deem it the best location for a Search and Rescue School of Excellence combining all RCAF Search and Rescue training. 3/3

5 Conclusion 13. Securing 19 Wing Comox as the Fixed-Wing Search and Rescue Training Centre would be beneficial to the country by maintaining a vital and efficient air base as a strategic asset, to the RCAF by providing an ideal location for year-round Search and Rescue training and response, and to the Comox Valley community through the presence of increased, stable employment. Recommendation 14. The Comox Valley Economic Development Society actively encourages the Department of National Defence and Public Works and Government Services Canada to include in the Fixed-Wing Search and Rescue Request for Proposals the need to address training in such manner that ensures Comox receives fair consideration. 15. The Comox Valley Economic Development Society recommends aerospace industry and economic development representatives, as well as elected officials at the local, provincial, and federal levels, provide their support in promoting 19 Wing Comox as an ideal Fixed-Wing Search and Rescue base and training location. Prepared by: Comox Valley FWSAR Technical Working Group Group Principal: John Watson, Dir Comox Valley Economic Development Society Date prepared: May 12, 2014 Annexes: A. Fixed-Wing Search and Rescue Potential Bidders B. Potential Search and Rescue Training Centres Comparison C. Fixed-Wing Search and Rescue Technical Working Group List 4/3

6 Annex A to Search and Rescue Training Centre at 19 Wing Comox FIXED-WING SEARCH AND RESCUE POTENTIAL BIDDERS Aircraft: C-27J Spartan Team Spartan: Leonardo, General Dynamics Canada, DRS Technologies Canada, KF Aerospace, Esterline CMC Electronics, and FLYHT Aerospace Solutions Ltd. Aircraft: C130J Hercules Team: Lockheed Martin and Cascade Aerospace. Aircraft: C295 Airbus Group: Airbus Defense & Space, Provincial Aerospace Limited, L-3 Wescam, Pratt & Whitney, and CAE. Aircraft: V-22 Osprey Team: Boeing and Bell Helicopter. Aircraft: KC 390 Company: Embraer, Boeing, L3, Rockwell Collins. Aircraft: DHC-5NG Buffalo Company: Viking Air. A1/1

7 Annex B to Search and Rescue Training Centre at 19 Wing Comox POTENTIAL SEARCH AND RESCUE TRAINING CENTRES COMPARISON Comparison Matrix. This table compares Search and Rescue training attributes of 19 Wing with those at other Fixed-Wing Search and Rescue Wings. Scoring. 0 Unacceptable 1 Below average (would need alternatives or improvements) 2 Acceptable 3 - Superior 19 Wing Comox 17 Wing Winnipeg 8 Wing Trenton 14 Wing Greenwood 1. Rationalised Training Flying Weather Representative Terrain Marine Support SAR Range Ground Facilities Airspace Operational Support Air Transportation Totals Rationalized Training. Combining Search and Rescue Fixed-Wing, Rotary- Wing, and Technician initial training at a single location provides many opportunities for increased efficiencies through synergetic training delivery and consolidated command and control. There are no CH149 Cormorant helicopters in either 17 Wing Winnipeg or 8 Wing Trenton. At present, Buffalo and Cormorant aircrew, and Search and Rescue Technician conversion training is carried out only in Comox. 2. Flying Weather. Severe weather extremes and storm seasons can significantly restrict flying and outdoor training. 17 Wing Winnipeg is subjected to prolonged severe winters. 8 Wing Trenton and 14 Wing Greenwood experience frequent winter storms with occasional hurricanes on the east coast. 19 Wing Comox enjoys generally fair seasonal weather with relatively very few instances of extremes which often limit flying in the rest of Canada. 3. Representative Terrain. The selected training location should have the various types of geography Search and Rescue crews experience in the rest of Canada. Comox s regional terrain has all major types of Canadian geography and in particular, mountains and year-round open water. Without incurring additional transit costs, Mountain Search and Rescue flying cannot be adequately taught at any listed location other than 19 Wing Comox. B1/2

8 Annex B to Search and Rescue Training Centre at 19 Wing Comox 4. Marine Support. A Marine Section dedicated to Search and Rescue training can eliminate dependency on external agencies tasked with other priorities. Supporting Coast Guard vessels are tied up November to March on Lakes Winnipeg and Ontario. 19 Wing Comox has a Marine Section with sailors and boats dedicated to aircrew training year-round. There are no Marine Sections in any listed location other than 19 Wing Comox. 5. SAR Ranges. Transit is required in all locations for overland ranges. There are no open-water ranges approved for all SAR pyrotechnics which are available year-round and located in the immediate vicinity of the airfield at any listed location other than 19 Wing Comox. 6. Ground Facilities. 8 Wing Trenton and 19 Wing Comox can use existing CC115 Buffalo and CC130 Hercules training facilities and minimize need for new construction. Cost of earthquake-proof construction required on the west coast is approximately 2-5% more. With the 8 Wing expansion project underway, Trenton may have excess capacity if new Fixed-Wing Search and Rescue aircraft is the CC130J Hercules. 19 Wing Comox and 14 Wing Greenwood have available real estate for additional buildings. All listed locations require aircraft simulators for the chosen new Fixed-Wing Search and Rescue aircraft. 7. Airspace. Neither 14 Wing Greenwood nor 8 Wing Trenton control any airspace other than their local terminal areas. 8 Wing Trenton and 17 Wing Winnipeg use Mountainview and Gimli respectively as satellite training airports due to space restrictions at their home Wings. 19 Wing Comox has large uncongested overland and overwater training areas for visual flying training. 19 Wing also controls a large terminal area with numerous airports for instrument flying training. Exposure to high-density airspace and USA procedures for training purposes is readily available nearby at Vancouver, Victoria, and in Washington State. 8. Operational Support. The selected training centre location will need flying time at the aerodrome and operational capacity at the Wing to support training operations. Located on a busy international airport, 17 Wing Winnipeg has no excess training capacity. 8 Wing Trenton s aerodrome is too congested with five flying Squadrons to accept additional intensive Search and Rescue training activity. 14 Wing Greenwood s two runways and three flying Squadrons allow adequate capacity for more flying. With two locally based operational Squadrons and only occasional operational deployments from 409 (Fighter) Squadron Cold Lake, 19 Wing has abundant capacity to support increased Fixed-Wing Search and Rescue operational training activities. 9. Air Transportation. Repetitive travel costs for students can become expensive. The nearest commercial airlines terminals are minutes drive from both 8 Wing Trenton and 14 Wing Greenwood. Winnipeg is the most centrally located. 19 Wing Comox and 17 Wing Winnipeg have direct major airline flights thus reducing travel time and costs for students. B2/2

9 Annex C to Search and Rescue Training Centre at 19 Wing Comox FIXED-WING SEARCH AND RESCUE AIRCRAFT REPLACEMENT PROJECT COMOX VALLEY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SOCIETY TECHNICAL WORKING GROUP Name Bob Mortimer Fred Bigelow Bill Neumann Jon Ambler Terry Chester Ted Gibbon Dave Mellin Garry Reaume David Berry Joan Gordon Dhrur (Ab) Jagat Dan Brennan Retiring Ranks Major General (Retired) Brigadier General (Retired) Brigadier General (Retired) Colonel (Retired) Colonel (Retired) Colonel (Retired) Honourary Colonel Colonel (Retired) Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Major (Retired) Major (Retired) Captain (Retired) C1/1